This is the latest, reconfigured recipe, of the Jura 10 Years. I reviewed the original Jura 10 a few years ago and didn’t much care for it. I found it to be funky and weird but not in the good and interesting way. It carried this strong earthy cumin-like character from nose to finish which I found off-putting and obtrusive. This, on the other hand, is a different story.
In Jura’s Words: Jura 10 Years
“Jura 10 Year Old. A whisky only Jura could make, born of our Island and still produced today in a bottle originally shaped to withstand the roughest of journeys from our home. Crafted in unusually tall stills, matured in the fresh sea air and American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and finished in the finest aged Oloroso Sherry butts – it’s the perfect marriage of Highland and Island styles.”
To my tastes, this Jura 10 Years relaunch is a welcome change and brings a more balanced and inviting character that was missing from the original version. I hope this new approach and style makes its way through their lineup and we start seeing more releases come out that fit along this profile and deliver an even stronger overall portfolio.
Jura 10 Years Info
Region: Islands, Scotland
Distiller: Jura
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon & ex-Sherry
Age: 10 Years
ABV: 40%
Price: $40*
Jura 10 Years Review
EYE
Amber
NOSE
Smoked apricots; toffee, dehydrated apples, dried cherries, nutmeg and a bit of earthy malt and a light floral nature.
PALATE
Smoked apricots; toffee, nuts, spice, malty sweetness, cinnamon, apples and a light bit of earthy malt, copper and bitter cocoa.
FINISH
Medium fade of peat, funk, cocoa and earthy malt.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and a lightly oily feel.
OVERALL
This Jura 10 years is definitely better than the old Jura 10. It’s less bitter, less funky and a whole lot more flavorful. The overarching flavor and aroma of smoked apricots is pleasant even if it’s not very deep or complex. I don’t know if it’s the addition of the sherry casks to the mix, longer aging in the sherry casks or what exactly they’ve done different but it’s a nice change – it’s far more drinkable and enjoyable than the old Jura 10 years.
SCORE: 83/100 (B)
*Disclosure: This Jura 10 Years was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.